Jordan Scarlett signing with UF headlines big day at St. Thomas Aquinas

Jordan Scarlett and Damon Arnette made up their minds Monday night where they were going to college.

That ended the suspense as far as St. Thomas Aquinas football players were concerned.

All that was left Wednesday was to celebrate in style.

Scarlett (5-11, 220 pounds), the Raiders’ star running back who announced his commitment to the University of Florida on Monday, signed with Gators on Wednesday at Aquinas’ National Signing Day ceremony, which included an impressive 17 football signees and 52 athletes overall spanning 11 sports.

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“I feel great. I feel like I made a really great decision [signing with Florida],” said Scarlett, who had been committed to the University of Miami since July before choosing to go to Gainesville. “It was a little hard just dealing with the whole process of ‘Which school is going to be better? Are you making the right decision?’ I feel like I just made the best choice.”

Offensive lineman Richerd Desir-Jones, once an FIU commitment, also signed with the Gators.

“I love Richard,” Scarlett said. “He’s a great guy. I know he’s going to go hard and make a name for himself.”

Arnette, a 6-2, 185-pound cornerback and once a South Carolina commit, also switched to Ohio State on Monday and signed with the reigning national champion Buckeyes on Wednesday.

Wide receiver Devante Peete, who recently announced he would go to Louisville, made it official and signed with the Cardinals. Peete said new Louisville receivers coach Lamar Thomas played a big part in convincing him to join the Cardinals.

“Lamar Thomas was just telling me I can make a great impact coming in,” Peete said. “I can be the next Devante Parker. Two senior receivers are leaving, so I can come in and start as a true freshman.”

Defensive back Rashard Causey remained in-state and signed with UCF.

Syracuse nabbed a pair of Aquinas offensive linemen as Colin Byrne and Samuel Clausman each signed with the Orange.

Defensive tackle Brandon Boyce, a longtime Duke commitment, signed with the Blue Devils.

Linebacker Chris Hart and defensive back Tyson Cisrow each signed with Utah.